Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
Sudan – The United Nations issued a warning about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Darfur, western Sudan, where increasing violence has pushed locals to extreme measures of survival, such as eating grass and peanut shells. Michael Dunford of the World Food Programme emphasised the need for aid to prevent starvation and fatalities in the region. Sudan has been in the middle of a violent civil war since April 2023, following clashes between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces.
US – Former US president Donald Trump faces severe consequences for repeatedly violating a gag order in his New York hush-money trial, with the possibility of jail time now being considered. Trump has been fined for previous violations and has continued to challenge the restrictions despite warnings from Justice Juan Merchan about the seriousness of his actions in undermining the judicial system. The trial, which involves allegations of falsifying business records to hide a payment to a porn actress, is the first criminal trial of a former president in the US.
Israel – Israel’s military has taken control of Gaza’s Rafah crossing, a crucial point for aid deliveries, following intense bombardments in the area. This move came shortly after civilians were urged to evacuate. Despite ongoing military actions, Israel is participating in renewed peace talks in Cairo. However, initial agreements proposed by Hamas, and facilitated by Qatar and Egypt, were dismissed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not meeting Israel’s core demands.
Brazil – The death toll in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, because of severe floods has reached 83 so far, with the potential to increase. The floods have also left 276 people injured and 111 unaccounted for while displacing over 121,000 individuals. The catastrophe has affected around 850,000 people across 345 municipalities, causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and bridges. Local accounts reveal bodies still submerged in floodwaters, which have not yet been included in the official death count.
Pictured above: People in Sudan.
Image source: Stock
